Structural behavior of small-scale reinforced concrete secant pile wall

Purpose To predict the real behavior of the full-scale model using a scale model, optimized simulation should be achieved. In reinforced concrete (RC) models, scaling can be substantially more critical than in single-material models because of multiple reasons such as insufficient bonding strength between small-diameter steel bars and concrete, and excessive aggregate size. Overall, there is a shortfall of laboratory and field-testing studies on the behavior of secant pile walls under lateral and axial loads. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to investigate the validity and the performance of the 1/10th scaled RC secant pile wall under the influence of different types of loading. Design/methodology/approach The structural performance of the examined models was evaluated using two types of tests: bending and axial compression. A self-compacting concrete mix was suggested, which provided the best concrete mix workability and appropriate compressive strength. Findings Under axial and bending loads, the failure modes were typical. Where the plain and reinforced concrete piles worked in tandem to support the load throughout the loading process, even when they failed. The experimental results were relatively consistent with some empirical equations for calculating the modulus of elasticity and critical buckling load. This confirmed the validity of the proposed model. Originality/value According to the analysis and verification of experimental tests, the proposed 1/10th scaled RC secant pile model can be used for future laboratory purposes, especially in the field of geotechnical engineering.